7 Qualities an Employer Looks for in an Employee

As young people enter the workforce, it is important to develop and possess certain qualities in order to be successful. Employers expect individuals to bring certain skills and attributes that will help them fit into the work environment and thrive. These abilities include strong communication, problem-solving, collaboration, self-motivation, and adaptability. 

Having these qualities will help you stand out from the crowd and make a positive impression on employers. It is crucial to develop these traits early so that you can be more prepared for any job opportunities that come your way.

One employee who has been with Matric for over 50 years shared some insights to his five decades of experience, and we included it here to provide some concrete examples of the traits employers like to see. 

Employers Hire Those Who Show Potential 

With the goal of success in mind for any employee, there are many qualities that can help them make a lasting impression on their employer. From strong interpersonal skills to excellent problem-solving abilities, the skills needed to outshine other potential candidates and be offered a position are numerous. We delve into seven qualities that are valuable across career paths, including: 

1. Reliability
2. Communication
3. Critical thinking
4. Adaptability
5. Motivation
6. Honesty
7. Resourcefulness

1. Reliability

Reliability is the cornerstone of any successful workplace. Employers are looking for individuals they can trust to follow through on their commitments and come to work consistently. When an employee is reliable, they have a track record of producing positive results and meeting deadlines. This helps organizations create and maintain successful projects and operations. 

Being reliable also contributes to a company’s overall culture; when everyone is dependable, it creates a good working environment that allows for better collaboration between employees. Having reliable employees also makes it easier for supervisors to assign tasks, knowing that they will be completed in a timely fashion with high-quality results.

2. Communication

Denny Haag, Employee #1 at Matric before it became Matric Group, understands the importance of communication and its impact on his more than 50 years of tenure with Matric. He noted that there has always been plenty of work - and plenty of help if you had questions - throughout his time with Matric.

Today’s work ethics may somewhat interfere with communication strengths, and Denny’s experience is that can be far from desirable. 

“That’s one thing I’ve seen over the last several months with getting new people. They don’t know about what we’re doing, same as when I started. But some people are afraid to ask questions, in case someone thinks they are asking too many questions and they aren’t the right person for the job,” Denny said recently. “Matric has never gotten rid of anybody for asking questions. At Matric and anywhere else, if you’re doing something and don’t know - ask.”

Denny feels that his many years of employment with the same company meant not only did he have more pay and vacation time, but he also had the opportunity to become someone who helps to train others. 

3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a key employability skill because it allows people to approach a problem from different angles, weigh the pros and cons of each solution, and ultimately make the best decision possible. It also helps employees think creatively about solutions that may not be immediately obvious. 

By utilizing critical thinking skills, employers can ensure that their workplace is running as efficiently as possible. Critical thinking helps employees anticipate potential problems before they arise and come up with effective solutions in a timely fashion. In today's competitive job market, it's essential for employers to look for candidates who are able to think critically and find creative solutions to difficult problems.

4. Adaptability

Adaptability is a desirable trait for many employers because it allows employees to quickly learn new skills and adjust to changing environments. With an ever-changing job market, employers are looking for individuals who can respond quickly to an unpredictable environment and remain flexible in their approach. 

Adaptability also shows that an employee is resilient and committed; they are able to take criticism, feedback, and make any necessary changes in order to get the job done. This makes them invaluable assets in any organization. 

Adaptability is a skill that requires practice but it is essential in today's work landscape as companies look for individuals who can keep up with the times and help lead their teams into success.

5. Motivation

Motivation is an essential factor in determining an employee's success. Having a strong desire to excel, combined with the right resources and good guidance can lead to greater levels of productivity and job satisfaction. People who are motivated have the ability to stay focused on their goals despite any obstacles that may arise, making them more likely to finish tasks on-time and go above and beyond what is expected.

Denny has held several positions, starting as an assembler in a department that had no name or number and later moving up to a supervisor position. Over the years, he also has spent time learning many different types of products as well. Denny showed his motivation by not only being willing to learn new things but seeking out those opportunities. In fact, he sees that as a strength in any potential Matric employee. 

Denny’s advice to those entering the workforce today will apply regardless of your title: “Learn to build quality products. Be productive.”

Also, he advised new employees to,

“Learn as much as you can. Ask questions if you don’t know.”

6. Honesty

Honesty is a necessary trait to have as an employee. It sets a good example for other employees, builds trust between colleagues and clients, and establishes a positive workplace environment. 

Here are just some of the reasons why honesty is essential in the workplace:

• Establishes credibility – Employees who are honest can be trusted to do their job properly and can earn respect from their peers.
• Helps build trust between coworkers – When coworkers trust each other enough to be honest with one another, it creates strong working relationships that can help teams work together more effectively.
• Encourages collaboration and open communication – Honest employees are more likely to be open about their ideas and opinions, which can lead to better collaboration and productive discussions.
• Creates a better work environment – A workforce of honest employees will create a workplace that's safe, supportive, and respectful of everyone's contributions.

7. Resourcefulness

Resourcefulness is an important part of any workplace. It's the ability to identify creative solutions to problems or take advantage of unexpected opportunities. Resourceful employees are able to think on their feet and come up with ideas quickly, which can be invaluable in fast-paced environments. 

They also find ways to make the most out of limited resources, helping a business save money and increase efficiency. Being resourceful also encourages employees to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions that can help a business stay ahead of its competitors.

For Denny, resourcefulness is another part of his nature. He uses his knowledge from his employment during his free time, as he enjoys restoring classic cars. Denny has nine cars, ranging from 1922 to 1965. Two of those cars are over 100 years old. 

He explained that his job taught him to trace circuits and helped with his efforts to rewire vehicles. He also does a lot of work with sheet metal, as he works on vehicles that are 60 and 70 years old. 

Desirable Qualities: Next Steps

We discussed reliability, adaptability, motivation, and honesty, along with a few other traits that employers like to see in their employees. We also showed how one long-time employee with Matric exemplifies some of these qualities, which contributed to his extended tenure with the company. 

These qualities are essential for any individual striving for success in the workplace and should be developed early on in order to stand out among other job applicants. Demonstrating these traits will ultimately lead to greater opportunities and achievements in your career. 

Qualities an employer looks for in an employee | Finding the Right Employer

Knowing the right qualities and showcasing them during job interviews is a good first step. However, how do you know what employers to prioritize when applying for new positions? Matric Group is a good place to start. Check out our careers page to get an idea of our open positions.